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I would consider it aesthetics so long as there is no active rust going on in the pits and as long as the pits aren't on the bevel.

You just want to keep an eye on them though just in case any...

It depends how nice you want it in the end. Me personally, I don't mind a little pitting and tarnish so long as there is not rust so I start with a higher grit paper, maybe 600 or so, whatever is...